http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinsons-return-not-enough-to-save-flatfooted-england-1816915.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinsons-return-not-enough-to-save-flatfooted-england-1816915.html ]]> <p>There is a long list of troubling tasks facing Martin Johnson and his cohort of England coaches this morning. So low did the sweet chariot swing yesterday that the metronomic swipe of Jonny Wilkinson's boot was drowned out by chimes of doom among a Twickenham crowd who cheered their returning hero whenever they could but were not so sycophantic as to ignore the discordant rugby unfolding in front of them.</p> International Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/geraghty-needs-time-to-blossom-for-red-rose-1816916.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/geraghty-needs-time-to-blossom-for-red-rose-1816916.html ]]> <p>Martin Johnson's hand may have been forced when he inked his back line to face Australia in the Autumn International series opener, with Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey ruled out through injury, but the new-look midfield partnership of Shane Geraghty and Dan Hipkiss in particular, failed to ignite England as they crumbled to a woeful 18-9 defeat at Twickenham yesterday.</p> International Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/brave-wales-lack-the-guile-to-stop-carter-masterplan-1816919.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/brave-wales-lack-the-guile-to-stop-carter-masterplan-1816919.html ]]> <p>New Zealand may well have lost their aura of invincibility in other arenas of world rugby, but in Cardiff they still seem invincible as ever. In extending their staggering period of dominance over Wales to 56 years and 21 Tests, the All Blacks forced Warren Gatland to seek a target elsewhere. The home coach duly turned his anger on the referee. </p> International Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-too-strong-for-brave-wales-1816853.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-too-strong-for-brave-wales-1816853.html <p>New Zealand withstood another brave performance by Wales to continue their mastery of this fixture.</p> International Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-beaten-by-australia-1816822.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-beaten-by-australia-1816822.html ]]> <p> Australia beat England 18-9 at Twickenham today after sorting out some early indiscipline that threatened to hand the home side victory. </p> International Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:20:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-desperate-for-first-big-scalp-1816603.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-desperate-for-first-big-scalp-1816603.html ]]> <p>England have spent the last decade and a half beating Australia in all the games that really matter: the World Cup quarter-finals of 1995 and 2007 are prime examples, along with the 2003 contest in Melbourne, where Sir Clive Woodward's team proved to everyone except a couple of one-eyed sheep farmers from Wagga Wagga that they were the outstanding side on the planet. Not forgetting another little tussle in Sydney later the same year, when a bloke by the name of Wilkinson dropped a goal and Martin Johnson cracked a smile for the first time in his adult life.</p> International Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/roberts-brings-home-lions-spirit-1816606.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/roberts-brings-home-lions-spirit-1816606.html ]]> <p>Through all the mind games, reverse swipes and subtle putdowns that have characterised a build-up that at the very best could be described as tetchy, the Wales and New Zealand camps have at least managed to agree on one thing. Jamie Roberts will be a key man at the Millennium Stadium this evening - if not the key man. </p> International Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-confirm-carter-will-start-1816607.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-confirm-carter-will-start-1816607.html ]]> <p>New Zealand would like everyone to know, Warren Gatland in particular, that Dan Carter will most certainly, most definitely, most undeniably be starting at the Millennium Stadium today. "He's assured me all week he will be playing," said Richie McCaw. "And he better not be lying to me." </p> International Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/recuperating-vickery-to-miss-start-of-six-nations-1816609.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/recuperating-vickery-to-miss-start-of-six-nations-1816609.html <p>Wasps prop Phil Vickery will miss the start of the Six Nations despite undergoing successful neck surgery. Vickery requires a minimum three months of rehabilitation from the injury sustained against Racing Metro last month.</p> International Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/vickery-operation-a-success-1816277.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/vickery-operation-a-success-1816277.html ]]> <p> England prop Phil Vickery will miss the start of the RBS 6 Nations despite undergoing successful neck surgery. </p> Club Rugby Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:39:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/carter-desperate-to-win-fitness-battle-1816093.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/carter-desperate-to-win-fitness-battle-1816093.html ]]> <p> New Zealand star Dan Carter is confident he will be fit to face Wales in Cardiff tomorrow. </p> International Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:35:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lawes-can-make-england-impact-insists-saints-director-1816092.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lawes-can-make-england-impact-insists-saints-director-1816092.html ]]> <p> Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has backed second row Courtney Lawes to make a big impact for England against Australia on Saturday - provided he is given an opportunity off the bench. </p> International Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:32:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lawrence-dallaglio-england-have-had-no-strategy-since-we-won-the-world-cup-1815575.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lawrence-dallaglio-england-have-had-no-strategy-since-we-won-the-world-cup-1815575.html ]]> <p>Lawrence Dallaglio ambles out of the room, checking the messages on his mobile phone. A couple of minutes later he returns. "About all that England stuff..." he says and then pauses. This zealous communicator, a happy chewer of the fat, for once does not have the words immediately to hand. "I'm a patriot," he states after a moment, and shrugs. "All I want is to see England doing well."</p> International Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australians-bring-back-smith-to-haunt-johnson-1815578.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australians-bring-back-smith-to-haunt-johnson-1815578.html ]]> <p>No rugby player wins 100-plus caps for his country without knowing a thing or two about this rough old game, so George Smith's return to the Wallaby back row for tomorrow's sell-out meeting with England at Twickenham gives Martin Johnson and company something to ponder. The rugged little flanker from the ACT Brumbies is one of eight survivors from the side that started the resounding victory in London a year ago – Australia's biggest in the capital in almost a quarter of a century – and in his department at least, the tourists look stronger this time around. Oh dear.</p> International Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/gatland-says-carter-is-not-fit-1815875.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/gatland-says-carter-is-not-fit-1815875.html <p>The Wales coach, Warren Gatland, said yesterday that he does not expect New Zealand's Dan Carter to be fit enough to face his side at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow. Carter has been named in the All Blacks XV, but has not trained this week as a result of a calf injury. </p> International Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-expect-england-to-prove-toughest-test-1815490.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-expect-england-to-prove-toughest-test-1815490.html ]]> <p> Australia coach Robbie Deans believes Saturday's Twickenham showdown with England will be the toughest assignment of their autumn tour. </p> International Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:25 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/thompson-experience-is-vital-says-dallaglio-1815201.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/thompson-experience-is-vital-says-dallaglio-1815201.html ]]> <p> Lawrence Dallaglio believes Steve Thompson's experience of beating Australia will prove vital when England take on their old foes on Saturday. </p> International Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:07:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/henry-confident-all-blacks-have-not-lost-aura-1814734.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/henry-confident-all-blacks-have-not-lost-aura-1814734.html ]]> <p>Despite admitting that Dan Carter is "not 100 per cent" certain of recovering from his calf injury in time, it was with a familiarly confident air that Graham Henry announced the team which will be trying to extend a quite staggering period of dominance over Wales to 57 years and 21 games. As the New Zealand coach put it: "We are here again, the same as we've been for the last seven years."</p> International Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/englands-lack-of-front-a-real-worry-for-johnson-1814739.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/englands-lack-of-front-a-real-worry-for-johnson-1814739.html ]]> <p> The unexpected return of Steve Thompson to England's starting front row for this weekend's awkward meeting with the Wallabies at Twickenham will inject almost 50 caps' worth of experience into a reshaped tight unit, but the bump-and-grind department remains the source of greatest worry for the manager Martin Johnson, who knows a thing or two about life in the darkened recesses. </p> International Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/steve-thompsonim-as-fit-as-i-was-in-2003-1814741.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/steve-thompsonim-as-fit-as-i-was-in-2003-1814741.html ]]> <p> Rugby injuries? They're not as catastrophic as some people make out, despite the doom and gloom surrounding the England squad in its orthopaedically challenged state. </p> International Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-talks-up-world-cup-winners-1814649.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-talks-up-world-cup-winners-1814649.html <p> England team manager Martin Johnson has hailed the impact of World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson and Steve Thompson in the run up to Saturday's clash with Australia. </p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/thompson-starts-for-england-against-australia-1814561.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/thompson-starts-for-england-against-australia-1814561.html ]]> <p> Steve Thompson will complete a remarkable international comeback when he starts for England against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. </p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:26:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/horan-major-ireland-doubt-after-latest-tests-1814558.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/horan-major-ireland-doubt-after-latest-tests-1814558.html <p> Fears are growing surrounding the availability of Marcus Horan for the upcoming autumn internationals after the IRFU confirmed the Munster prop was undergoing "a series of tests and investigations". </p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:18:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-right-to-fear-wilkinson-say-england-1814474.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-right-to-fear-wilkinson-say-england-1814474.html ]]> <p> Australia have been warned they are right to fear the return of Jonny Wilkinson ahead of Saturday's Investec Challenge showdown at Twickenham. </p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:40:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/jenkins-warns-wales-of-wounded-all-blacks-1814057.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/jenkins-warns-wales-of-wounded-all-blacks-1814057.html <p>Neil Jenkins has given short shrift to the critics prepared to write off New Zealand following their Tri-Nations disappointments this year. The All Blacks suffered three defeats – all against the world champions South Africa – during the southern hemisphere's showpiece competition.</p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-driven-to-blood-redrose-rookies-1814059.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-driven-to-blood-redrose-rookies-1814059.html ]]> <p>There are players associated with the England squad who must be wondering what they have to do to get themselves an even break – as usual, the outstanding Sale centre Mathew Tait is foremost amongst them – but there will at least be signs of a fresh side taking shape when Martin Johnson's team take on the Wallabies at Twickenham this weekend. Two new players, the France-based midfielder Ayoola Erinle and the Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, will be in the squad, along with three others who have only half-a-dozen caps between them.</p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australians-make-light-work-of-gloucesters-defence-1814299.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australians-make-light-work-of-gloucesters-defence-1814299.html <p>Perhaps it was a good thing that a friendly between a second-string Guinness Premiership team and a second-string Australian outfit would bear little relevance for the autumn series opener at Twickenham on Saturday. For the gold and green were in a different league to their opponents here last night. </p> International Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/deans-rules-out-tuqiri-australia-return-1813888.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/deans-rules-out-tuqiri-australia-return-1813888.html ]]> <p> His focus solely on England, Robbie Deans says it's "unlikely" Lote Tuqiri will ever return to the Wallabies fold despite his impending comeback to rugby with English Premiership champions Leicester. </p> International Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:22:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wales-pray-for-end-to-56-years-of-hurt-1813883.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wales-pray-for-end-to-56-years-of-hurt-1813883.html <p> As Warren Gatland named his Wales rugby side to face the All Blacks, the local paper was putting on its bravest face. </p> International Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:17:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/court-desperate-to-feature-for-ireland-1813787.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/court-desperate-to-feature-for-ireland-1813787.html <p> With Ireland facing three autumn international matches against Southern Hemisphere opposition this month, Ulster’s Tom Court will have his fingers crossed that he features in coach Declan Kidney’s plans. </p> International Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:45:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-fear-revitalised-wilkinson-1813780.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-fear-revitalised-wilkinson-1813780.html ]]> <p> Australia coach Robbie Deans fears the impact a revitalised Jonny Wilkinson will have at Twickenham on Saturday. </p> International Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:31:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/gatland-promoting-selfbelief-in-welsh-camp-1813568.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/gatland-promoting-selfbelief-in-welsh-camp-1813568.html ]]> <p> Fifty-six years of failure have the tendency to affect the self-belief levels and perhaps this is what Warren Gatland had in mind when employing a motivational expert to work with his internationals. Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 and it is clearly part of Andy McCann's brief to convince this Dragonhood they can prevail on Saturday where so many generations have fallen short before. </p> International Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-sweats-over-who-to--give-ticket-for-front-row-1813661.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-sweats-over-who-to--give-ticket-for-front-row-1813661.html ]]> <p>Martin Johnson will not see it this way if his England team fail to beat Australia on Saturday and continue a run of failure against the major southern hemisphere powers stretching back to the World Cup quarter-final victory over the same opposition well over two years ago, but he might be said to be in a lucky place rather than an unlucky one – as demonstrated by the fact that the rugby public has just voted him "player of the century" ahead of the great Welsh scrum-half Gareth Edwards, with Michael Jones of New Zealand and John Eales of Australia not even in the running. No, we're not making it up.</p> International Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinson-will-thrive-fears-deans-1813523.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinson-will-thrive-fears-deans-1813523.html ]]> <p> Australia coach Robbie Deans expects Jonny Wilkinson to thrive amid the expectation surrounding his international comeback. </p> International Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:57:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-on-guard-for-welsh-trickery-1813406.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-on-guard-for-welsh-trickery-1813406.html <p> The All Blacks arrive in Cardiff today shorn of two key players and braced for more hi-jinks from Welsh rugby officials in a tricky buildup to the second test of their tour. </p> International Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:35:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/gloucester-face-strong-australia-side-1813350.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/gloucester-face-strong-australia-side-1813350.html ]]> <p> Gloucester will face an Australia side boasting nine full internationals at Kingsholm tomorrow night. </p> International Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:26:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/carter-finds-target-as-wallabies-lose-way-1813234.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/carter-finds-target-as-wallabies-lose-way-1813234.html <p>Given their crass inability to locate their opponents' goal-line from a yard or two out, it might be some surprise if Robbie Deans' Australians found Tokyo airport for their flight to London yesterday. The Wallabies, whom England meet at Twickenham on Saturday, suffered their seventh successive loss to the All Blacks, as much by their own inadequacies and failings as New Zealand's stellar qualities.</p> International Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/geraghty-glows-at-being-new-golden-boy-1812843.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/geraghty-glows-at-being-new-golden-boy-1812843.html ]]> <p>Shane Geraghty settles in to an armchair by an open fire in a lounge at England's opulent hotel and reflects with the merest hint of relief on passing Martin Johnson's mettle-detecting test. "Being out of the main squad was more motivation than being in it," says Geraghty. "I had to go down a few pegs to get back up."</p> International Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-extend-winning-streak-over-australia-1812592.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/all-blacks-extend-winning-streak-over-australia-1812592.html <p> Dan Carter scored 22 points to lead New Zealand to a 32-19 win over Australia today, extending the All Blacks' streak to seven in Bledisloe Cup tests. </p> International Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:28:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/barnes-blow-leaves-australia-reeling-ahead-of-all-black-test-1812158.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/barnes-blow-leaves-australia-reeling-ahead-of-all-black-test-1812158.html <p>New Zealand are bracing themselves for an attacking onslaught from Australia in the final Bledisloe Cup showdown of the year in Tokyo today despite the Wallabies losing one of their key playmakers.</p> International Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-hit-by-barnes-injury-1812015.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-hit-by-barnes-injury-1812015.html ]]> <p> The suspicion that Wallaby rugby coach Robbie Deans has crossed paths with a few black cats and carelessly strolled under half a dozen ladders gained increasing credence last night when another potentially calamitous injury wrecked his latest plans. </p> International Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/andrew-well-stand-by-johnson-until-world-cup-in-2011-1811534.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/andrew-well-stand-by-johnson-until-world-cup-in-2011-1811534.html ]]> <p>Martin Johnson is bombproof. Whatever happens over the course of the autumn internationals, which begin with a match against Australia a week tomorrow, the old Leicester hard head will take England to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. It is all but certain that the current hands-on coaching team – Brian Smith, John Wells, Mike Ford and Graham Rowntree – will also be in place when the party flies to All Black country in a little under two years' time. The Rugby Football Union's lynch mob has finally discovered patience, not to mention pacifism.</p> International Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinson-sure-he-can-come-back-stronger-1811538.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wilkinson-sure-he-can-come-back-stronger-1811538.html ]]> <p>Things have come to a pretty pass on the injury front when Jonathan Peter Wilkinson – also known as Mr Collapso or Horizontal Harry – is one of the last men standing rather than the first man down. Whenever England have found themselves suffering from a serious outbreak of unavailability over the last half-dozen years, the man who dropped the goal that won the 2003 World Cup has routinely appeared at the top of the list. Suddenly, it is as though he is made of something indestructible. Weird.</p> International Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/shaw-in-line-for-test-return-despite-injury-layoff-1810950.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/shaw-in-line-for-test-return-despite-injury-layoff-1810950.html ]]> <p>Simon Shaw, an unusually substantial citizen whose contribution to the Lions' epic Test series in South Africa last summer mirrored his vital statistics, is likely to play his first game of the season for Wasps this weekend. </p> International Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/tindall-and-worsley-out-of-england-reckoning-1811127.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/tindall-and-worsley-out-of-england-reckoning-1811127.html ]]> <p> Three more members of England's orthopaedically challenged squad for the forthcoming Autumn internationals – Gloucester centre Mike Tindall, Bath prop David Barnes and Wasps flanker Joe Worsley – were released back to their clubs yesterday. </p> International Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-boosted-by-shaw-injury-news-1810898.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-boosted-by-shaw-injury-news-1810898.html ]]> <p> England were today finally offered some encouraging news on the injury front when Wasps predicted that Simon Shaw should be available to face Argentina. </p> International Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:23:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-confident-in-england-replacements-1810149.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-confident-in-england-replacements-1810149.html <p> Martin Johnson is convinced England have the resources to overcome an injury crisis that has left them staggering towards their autumn schedule. </p> International Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:39:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnsons-talent-search-puts-veteran-bell-in-frame-1809969.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnsons-talent-search-puts-veteran-bell-in-frame-1809969.html ]]> <p>Martin Johnson must have been feeling like a cross between Simon Cowell and Hughie Green yesterday as he made his selections for the 32-man England squad for the looming autumn international series at Twickenham. </p> International Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lawes-replaces-easter-for-england-1809820.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lawes-replaces-easter-for-england-1809820.html ]]> <p> England team manager Martin Johnson opted for a mix of experience and youth today when he picked his squad for next month's internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand. </p> International Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:09:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/sheridan-likely-to-miss-six-nations-1809721.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/sheridan-likely-to-miss-six-nations-1809721.html ]]> <p> England prop Andrew Sheridan is almost certain to miss the entire RBS 6 Nations, according to one of the UK's leading orthopaedic surgeons. </p> International Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:42:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wales-can-cope-with-injuries-says-gatland-1809664.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/wales-can-cope-with-injuries-says-gatland-1809664.html ]]> <p> Wales will be without two British and Irish Lions scrum-halves for their opening autumn Test against New Zealand on 7 November. </p> International Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:35:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/white-adds-to-injury-gloom-1809475.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/white-adds-to-injury-gloom-1809475.html ]]> <p>First the good news. Jonny Wilkinson managed to put 21 points on the scoreboard for Toulon on Saturday, including his first try for his French club, without suffering any collateral damage. Now the not so good. England hopefuls continue to drop like stricken flies ahead of a looming autumn international season that, for Martin Johnson, is shrouded in a good deal of mist, with precious little mellow fruitfulness in evidence.</p> International Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/a-man-for-all-seasons-but-easter-falls-before-autumn-1809039.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/a-man-for-all-seasons-but-easter-falls-before-autumn-1809039.html <p>Here we are then: the fourth Sunday in October. In 2011 it will be the date of the World Cup final in New Zealand. Could there possibly be a big English mitt back on the Webb Ellis Cup? Today it is difficult to predict the make-up of the team to face Australia in less than a fortnight, never mind what might happen two years hence. As if to emphasise both the random nature of the current glut of injuries, and the havoc they are wreaking, they yesterday claimed the man who has played more Tests than anyone for England in the last three years.</p> International Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-on-injury-watch-1808156.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-on-injury-watch-1808156.html ]]> <p> England manager Martin Johnson will be an anxious spectator as the weekend's round of Guinness Premiership action unfolds. </p> International Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:27:28 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/shaw-desperate-to-make-england-comeback-1807052.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/shaw-desperate-to-make-england-comeback-1807052.html <p> Simon Shaw hopes to make his England comeback in time for next month's autumn finale against New Zealand at Twickenham. </p> International Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:44:29 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/danny-taking-care-of-himself-1806704.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/danny-taking-care-of-himself-1806704.html ]]> <p>Danny Care will undergo a medical check at Pennyhill Park on Sunday evening, the result of which will determine if and when he adds to his collection of 11 England caps.</p> International Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/bell-set-to-return-as-injuries-take-toll-1806705.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/bell-set-to-return-as-injuries-take-toll-1806705.html <p>Martin Johnson is set to fill one of the huge gaps left in his England squad by a tighthead who won his two caps almost five years ago and who had given up on ever returning to the international fold. </p> International Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/veteran-smith-not-feeling-australia-pressure-1806479.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/veteran-smith-not-feeling-australia-pressure-1806479.html <p> Australia veteran George Smith insists he is not feeling the heat heading into the Wallabies' crucial autumn tour despite talk his starting spot is under threat. </p> International Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:32:25 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/vickerys-injury-is-pain-in-the-neck-for-johnson-1806127.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/vickerys-injury-is-pain-in-the-neck-for-johnson-1806127.html ]]> <p>Martin Johnson surely now appreciates why autumn is also known as "fall", as Phil Vickery yesterday became the latest England international to do an impression of a nine-pin, if not a domino.</p> International Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/vickery-adds-to-england-casualty-list-1805874.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/vickery-adds-to-england-casualty-list-1805874.html ]]> <p> England have been dealt another major injury setback with the loss of World Cup winner Phil Vickery from their autumn Tests. </p> International Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:06:38 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/henry-switches-to-all-blacks-lineout-coach-1805851.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/henry-switches-to-all-blacks-lineout-coach-1805851.html <p> Graham Henry began his re-education process as a lineout strategist today as the latest All Blacks squad trained for the first time ahead of their end-of-year rugby tour to Japan and Europe. </p> International Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:29:56 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/mortlock-eyes-return-against-ireland-1805800.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/mortlock-eyes-return-against-ireland-1805800.html <p> Former Australia captain Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out of the first two internationals of his team's spring tour but is targeting next month's clash with Ireland for a return. </p> International Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:31:11 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-lose-sheridan-for-six-nations-1805670.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-lose-sheridan-for-six-nations-1805670.html ]]> <p> The England manager Martin Johnson has been dealt yet another huge injury blow after learning that prop Andrew Sheridan will miss the start of the Six Nations following surgery on his injured shoulder. </p> International Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-hit-by-sheridan-injury-1805518.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-hit-by-sheridan-injury-1805518.html ]]> <p> England prop Andrew Sheridan will miss the autumn internationals after being ruled out for four months with a shoulder injury. </p> International Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:51:19 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/phillips-injury-adds-to-wales-woe-1805416.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/phillips-injury-adds-to-wales-woe-1805416.html ]]> <p> Wales coach Warren Gatland may be dealt another major injury blow ahead of his team's autumn Test series opener against New Zealand. </p> International Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:28:29 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/robinson-tour-back-on-after-lace-mishap-1804247.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/robinson-tour-back-on-after-lace-mishap-1804247.html ]]> <p>In-form Australia prop Benn Robinson is on target to line up against New Zealand in Tokyo at the end of the month, despite straining his groin tying his shoe laces. Robinson was an indestructible force for the Wallabies this winter as one of only a few players to hold their own throughout a miserable Tri-Nations campaign. </p> International Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/dunning-dont-write-us-off-yet-1803521.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/dunning-dont-write-us-off-yet-1803521.html ]]> <p>The Recalled prop Matt Dunning has warned northern hemisphere teams not to underestimate Australia as a result of their lack of Tri-Nations success this season. </p> International Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-issue-warning-to-northern-hemisphere-1803097.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-issue-warning-to-northern-hemisphere-1803097.html ]]> <p> Recalled prop Matt Dunning has warned northern hemisphere rivals not to underestimate Australia based on their lack of Tri-Nations success this season. </p> International Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:41:46 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/deans-denies-australia-rift-ahead-of-tour-1802441.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/deans-denies-australia-rift-ahead-of-tour-1802441.html ]]> <p> Robbie Deans has dismissed suggestions former captain Stirling Mortlock was kept in the dark over the decision to replace him with Rocky Elsom for the upcoming Grand Slam tour of the British Isles, insisting the 32-year-old knew exactly where he stood. </p> International Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:34:34 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/cipriani-and-rees-injuries-hit-england-1800481.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/cipriani-and-rees-injuries-hit-england-1800481.html ]]> <p> Danny Cipriani has been ruled out of England's autumn Test matches through injury. The fly-half is on crutches and is expected to be out for six weeks after picking up a hairline fracture to his right calf bone. </p> International Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/cipriani-and-rees-blow-for-england-1800223.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/cipriani-and-rees-blow-for-england-1800223.html ]]> <p> England have been hit by a double injury blow to Wasps players Danny Cipriani and Tom Rees. </p> International Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:06:09 +0100